AB 953 will clarify prohibition against profiling and require reporting of data on profiling.
(LOS ANGELES, CA, 10/5/2015) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed news of Governor Jerry Brown signing AB 953 over the weekend. The bill which was introduced by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) makes California a leader on fair policing and profiling laws.
SEE: Governor Brown Signs Bill to Fight Against Racial Profiling
The legislation advances constitutional values of equal protection and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Key provisions include the creation of a statewide system of data collection on stops, searches and seizures, and require California Department of Justice to analyze and report the data.
CAIR-CA, joined PICO California, the ACLU, and numerous other civil rights, faith groups, and grassroots organizations in advocating for the passage of the bill.
“The safety and security of all communities is paramount, which is only possible when there is trust between those communities and law enforcement,” said CAIR-CA Chair Safaa Ibrahim. “This legislation will make data on racial and identity profiling by law enforcement available. It will also lead to transparency and accountability where there is an issue of profiling and highlight law enforcement agencies that can be examples to others.”
CAIR-California is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Public Affairs Coordinator Haroon Manjlai at 714-776-1847 or email hmanjlai@cair.com